From The Inbox Coach (Me)

Here’s the truth: People don’t read boring emails. But they do read emails that grab their attention, build trust, and feel relatable. That’s where anecdotes—tiny, impactful stories—come in.

13 Prompts to Start Your Real Estate Emails with a Mini-Story

Instead of diving straight into a sales pitch, start with one of these “hooks” to draw your reader in:

1. I remember when I used to…
   "I remember when I used to dream of having a home office… until I saw what a small, unused dining room could become."

2. I once had a client who…
   "I once had a client who almost walked away from their dream home because of an outdated kitchen—until I shared this little trick."

3. [Neighborhood] is my favorite place to…
   "Fig Garden is my favorite place to grab coffee and watch families enjoy their weekends. Homes here never last long for a reason."

4. My mentor used to always tell me…
   "My mentor used to always tell me, 'You don’t sell houses—you sell possibilities.' That advice changed how I show homes."

5. When I was a kid…
   "When I was a kid, my family moved a lot. That’s why I understand how emotional finding the ‘right’ home can be."

6. I remember learning how to…
   "I remember learning how to stage a home with just three items—and it worked like magic to attract buyers."

7. The other day, I was…
   "The other day, I was walking through a listing and realized a hidden feature that makes this home perfect for growing families."

8. Yesterday, I realized…
   "Yesterday, I realized how powerful curb appeal is when I saw 5 cars stop to admire a home’s simple new paint job."

9. Before I had my first listing…
   "Before I had my first listing, I thought price was everything. Turns out, it’s about telling the right story."

10. Last year, I sat down and decided…
    "Last year, I sat down and decided I’d help my clients sell faster by mastering these 3 simple marketing strategies."

11. While on my daily walk, I…
    "While on my daily walk, I noticed 3 homes with ‘For Sale’ signs come down this week—yes, buyers are out!"

12. My mentor was obsessed with…
    "My mentor was obsessed with keeping listings simple: Focus on the best 3 features, and buyers will focus on those too."

13. When I was in [place], I had no [thing you have now].
    "When I was in my first apartment, I had no backyard to entertain. That’s why I love homes with beautiful outdoor spaces."

How to Use These in Your Emails

1. Start with the story. Use a quick anecdote or “hook” from above. Keep it short—2-3 sentences max.

2. Tie it back to real estate. What’s the takeaway for buyers, sellers, or homeowners?

3. Include a call-to-action. Example: “If you’ve been thinking about [topic], hit reply, and I’ll share how this could work for you.”

Example Real Estate Email Using This Method

Mini-stories make your emails feel personal, relatable, and far more engaging. Start using them, and you’ll notice more replies, conversations, and trust.